Pewter Teapot 1935 - 1942

Frank Nelson’s ‘Pewter Teapot’ is an undated drawing, made with pencil on paper. I love the way Nelson coaxes out the form of this teapot with subtle, delicate marks. Look at the way he renders the reflective surface of the pewter. It’s all about careful observation and gradual building of tone, creating a soft sheen that catches the light. The handle, a dark, bold curve, is a stark contrast to the body of the teapot. See how the lines are so controlled, almost mechanical, yet there's a tenderness there too, a quiet appreciation for the object. That dark handle, it’s like a shadow, a little mystery in an otherwise bright and airy composition. It reminds me of Giorgio Morandi's still lifes, those humble, everyday objects imbued with a sense of timelessness. Nelson shows us that beauty can be found in the simplest things, if you just take the time to really look.